Syed Ali to Wee: Don’t try to be a champion

PETALING JAYA: Former MCA Youth leader Wee Ka Siong was ‘advised’ by Umno Cheras division chief Syed Ali Alhabshee over the former’s remarks made at the MCA Youth annual general assembly yesterday.

“Having been a deputy minister, he should know better that whatever he’s not happy about can be brought up during Barisan Nasional (BN) meetings.

“Don’t try to be a champion. He’s trying to show that he’s championing the Chinese. However, he’s saying it for his self-interest without thinking about the people,” Syed Ali told FMT....

.... “Umno is a fair party. Although we are a Malay party, we have never neglected the Chinese,” he said.

Syed Ali said it was instead MCA’s responsibility to explain matters to the Chinese community.

“We know how most of the BN component parties did not do well in the last general election. But they must find ways to tackle the people,” he said..... etc... etc...

---

“We know how most of the BN component parties did not do well in the last general election. But they must find ways to tackle the people,” he said.

You know, looking at both UMNO & MCA these days, I wonder how long BN would last. Many, especially those hardcore Malay UMNO supporters failed to comprehend that they are part of the contributing factors towards the near demise of UMNO's partners. Gerakan, MIC, and now MCA. It's a matter of time before the others would be forced to take the same path.

1. Do you honestly think that these component parties just lost support out of the blue? Their non-Malay electorates had it up to their eyeballs with the constant threats and insults to their community! The truth is, they lost faith in you guys!

2. Although MCA is a mess to begin with, it is also unfair to put the blame squarely on them. It takes both hands to clap. Do you mean Gerakan, after donkey years ruling Penang, lost everything just like that?

3. Politicians...and I mean both BN & PR, please don't patronise the public. Don't talk as though the people are idiots, although many are indeed borderline. For the other thinking ones, it's just insulting.

4. Wee Ka Siong is plainly playing to the gallery. There is a Chinese saying, "Do not wear a hat that is bigger than your head".

5. With leaders such as these two in BN, the circus is complete.

6. Since UMNO can win on their own, please do the Chinese a favour... stop the charade of "winning" back the Chinese votes with your silly antics. If this is all you guys are capable of, at least spare a thought and save your time, and let the Chinese keep whatever little dignity they still have.

Enough of the empty rhetorics and sideshows already. The Chinese are not stupid, so stop all these condescending acts.  It's the Malays you should be more concerned about... They are the ones who will determine the fate of BN.

Focus instead on the economy and Chinese schools. The Chinese schools are in a mess. Funds are short and not used efficiently. The poor quality of teachers and the ever changing system & syllabus causes much hardship to the students and parents. Parents are very, very unhappy!

Our education system is failing!

Race on for MCA leaders who can stand up to Umno

Race on for MCA leaders who can stand up to Umno

That headline speaks volumes about the the delusional leadership & members of MCA. This is testament to how far the party is disconnected with the community it claims to represent.

1. MCA is a part of BN. UMNO is the leader of BN.

2. If you need to stand up to the leader of your group, who happens to be the dominant partner, then what is the point of staying in BN?

3. MCA will never be on par with UMNO within BN. It is unrealistic.

I would like to ask the MCA leaders, and to a certain extent the delegates, members and supporters:

1. What have you guys been smoking?

2. Ask yourselves this: What benefits/contribution can you offer the Chinese community and the nation? What is your role in BN and the government? If UMNO is seen as a big bully in BN, what makes you think that you have any clout over them? What is your role in the government anyway?

3. Next, please take a good look at your candidates, especially for the top 2 posts. Do you really expect anyone with a normal functioning mind to believe that they are even close to this? ->

4. Most importantly, do you guys actually think that it is all about you, standing up to big brother?

Honestly, I see the MCA's prospects getting dimmer by the day. If this is all you guys can muster, there is no hope. Among the contenders for the top 2 posts, Ong Tee Keat has the most appeal to the Chinese electorate in general.

What drives 95% of a community to throw their support to a coalition comprising of a Chinese party led by Christians, an Islamic party, and a personal cult party? It seems to me the people in MCA haven't the slightest clue. MCA is grasping at straws, looking out for their own interests. The ministerial, government positions and party assets are too tempting to pass over.

I believe MCA's grassroots support is still intact, up to a certain degree... but national issues tend to eclipse party loyalty and traditional voting trends. The keywords are still education & economy, both which are apparently in a mess.

MCA should not take up minister posts!

It's called having a backbone... At least one of the 3 contenders have openly declared his intention of doing so. If they do, this will be their last term.

The result of the years of blaming & using the Chinese as a scapegoat by UMNO especially with the intense and vicious Chinese bashing after the 13th GE which continues to this day, is irreversible. The days of MCA even trying to stand up for the Chinese is long gone. We have crossed the threshold. The politicians have done it in. In my mind, I have no doubt that the original spirit of BN, or whatever was left of it, has officially died. UMNO does not want you anymore...

The consequence resulting from the current political developments appears to escape most people in the country. The future Malaysia will be one which religion, Islam specifically, will play a central role in government as well as politics. The Malays, as opposed to popular assumption of being more united, will actually be more divided, politically & socially. When the Malays are divided & fight among themselves, the minorities will suffer. Religious & social class differences will be the undercurrent driving national issues. As usual, the Malays will blame the Chinese, and vice versa, with the Indians positioned at the ringside.

The next GE, the Chinese voters will be much lesser than the last one. Many will not even bother to vote. I don't expect the Chinese to participate in any rallies or protests in large numbers anymore. They are fed-up.

The Chinese, if they are smart, should be neutral and not take sides. Place more emphasis on your spiritual well-being. Reconnect with your culture & religion. Think rationally rather that emotionally.

Take the middle way. And hopefully, things will find a balance. 

---

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 16 — The hunt for a strong, decisive leader in MCA kicked off today with delegates seeking a chief who is able to rise from under the shadow of Umno and place the Chinese party on par again with its Barisan Nasional (BN) partner, after a humiliating performance in the 13th general election this year.

At the close of nominations, three hopefuls were confirmed to be in the running for the president’s hat: maverick one-term former chief Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat; incumbent deputy president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai; and incumbent vice-president Gan Ping Sieu.

The results of who will take the top post will only be known after the party votes this weekend, but delegates at the large nomination hall within the MCA’s headquarters with whom The Malay Mail Online spoke with today seemed to have firm opinions on the man who can revitalise their flagging spirits and put a fresh wind in their ship to win back support from Malaysia’s sizeable Chinese community.

“In these challenging times, the best pair would be Ong Tee Keat, with number two, Wee Ka Siong.

“My view is that these two are the most articulate... strong, decisive and they are fighters,” Tan Foong Luen said, when approached.

The Negri Sembilan MCA legal bureau chairman voiced the sentiment that has been bubbling beneath the party’s surface these past few month since the May polls, and which its grassroots members have found to have chafed their pride.

“A lot of Umno people have ventilated very damaging statements against MCA,” he said.

He added that whoever among the trio was picked as captain should be able to stand up to both Umno leaders to the opposition force.

The Pakatan Rakyat (PR) bloc, especially the Chinese-dominant DAP, had succeeded in wresting bigger support this year, especially from the ethnic Chinese voters who resided mainly in the cities.

This is despite Datuk Wee Ka Siong who is nominated as the deputy is a strong backer of Liow, while Datuk Donald Lim, another contender for the number two post is aligned with Gan.

Wee was outspoken in his support for Liow especially during outgoing president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek’s attempt to censure his estranged deputy in October.

Another delegate however said both Liow and Gan have 45 per cent chances of winning the top post, while Ong only has 10

He was also hopeful that the new leadership would unite MCA members, while admitting it would be an extremely challenging task.

Meanwhile, the Wanita chief race is between Datuk Heng Seai Kie and Tan Ching Liang.

Heng is Perak Wanita Chief while Tan lost in her bid for the Penang Wanita chief post last month.

The race for the Youth chief is between Chong Sin Woon and Datuk Goh Gaik Meng.

Chong is the national youth education bureau chief while Goh is the Batu Youth Chief.

The Youth election will be on Thursday, while Wanita elections will be on Friday.

The MCA election for the top leadership will be on Saturday, followed by the annual general assembly the next day.

All eyes will be on the race as one of the outcomes could be the reversal of the previous presidential council’s decision to reject Cabinet positions.

Delegates who spoke to The Malay Mail Online said it is crucial to have MCA representatives in the Cabinet to be able to look our for the interests of the Chinese community.

One party leader who declined to be named lamented, however, that the Chinese should have voted for the party in the 13th General Election if they truly wanted representatives in the top Cabinet posts.

The party’s political fortunes has been on a decline since 2008 but eyes continue to watch developments at the head of the party as it entails control over the billions of ringgit in assets and shares that include Malaysia’s best-selling English language newspaper, The Star.

MCA only won seven of the 37 federal constituencies it contested in Election 2013 with two of these coming from Wee and Liow.

Dr Chua sat out the polls although his son, Tee Yong, won the Malay-majority Labis federal seat.

The Chinese, Malaysia’s second biggest community voted for the opposition.

- See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/race-on-for-mca-leaders-who-can-stand-up-to-umno#sthash.Gnw7Qcch.dpuf

MCA - The knives are out!

Dr Chua Soi Lek - pix source

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 7 — The storm in a teacup that is MCA’s dismissal of veteran politician Datuk Lee Hwa Beng is an indictment of how little its affairs still mattered to those outside the party, according to two political analysts. Saying the ripples of the unexpected intrigue will not resonate beyond the walls of Wisma MCA, they brushed off the move as just another by president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek to consolidate his power in a party struggling to reconnect with the Chinese community it professes to represent. “It has come to a point where we are just looking at how low MCA can go... a political party that does not win elections is not a political party,” political analyst Khoo Kay Peng told The Malay Mail Online when contacted. .....

... Lee has set tongues wagging since Thursday, after he posted a series of tweets claiming that he was sacked from the party for apparently inviting DAP stalwart Lim Kit Siang to the launch of his book, “PKFZ: A Nation’s Trust Betrayed”, last year. Lee, once Port Klang Authority (PKA) chairman, later alleged that his sacking was aimed at stopping an “Anything but Chua Soi Lek”, or ABC, movement that he professed to have started in a few states. The boot also came just a week after Lee was elected as a central delegate for MCA’s Kelana Jaya division. ...

.... Chin was equally dismissive of the consequence Lee’s expulsion would have on the party, noting that he was not a party warlord, a power broker in the party or a leader with a strong support base. ....

.... “Chua Soi Lek is in control. There is no suggestion that he is not in control at the moment. No other leader is able to challenge his control of the party and they have not pulled themselves together.” Khoo noted that the EGM was a calculated move by Dr Chua, since little support among party delegates was going Liow’s way ― even key leaders formerly in ex-president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat’s camp were now seen as aligned to Dr Chua, despite the two’s bitter rivalry over the presidency previously. “We don’t see many lining up behind Liow and some key people who were with the Ong Tee Keat camp are now aligned to Chua... he is a very smart politician,” Khoo said, referring to Dr Chua. ....

- See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/lees-sacking-just-another-hole-in-sinking-mca-ship-analysts-say#sthash.FnJF6Kam.dpuf

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lee Hwa Beng - pix source

Looks like the campaign ( “Anything but Chua Soi Lek”, or ABC) against Dr Chua has claimed it's first victim, Lee Hwa Beng (ex-State Assemblyman for Subang Jaya). MCA just loves to fight don't they. It must be a Chinese cultural thing. Fight, fight, fight.

Anyway, Lee Hwa Beng will not be missed. Especially not in Subang Jaya where they have found a new Christian leader who trounced Gan Meng Foo of MCA last election & Lee Hwa Beng before that. When a 3-term state assemblyman (Lee) can be defeated by a first-timer with no experience, what does that say about the incumbent & his party?

If the reports are correct, that Chua Soi Lek indeed commands the the majority of grassroot support, then I don't see any reason to force him to resign. They have got to stop mucking around with the grassroots. If this ends up with another "peace plan" arrangement like the the previous ones, they might as well dig in at MCA's assets and call it a day.

And the Chinese can go suck on an egg, figuratively speaking of course :)

Zaid Ibrahim - Why MCA must rejoin the Government

 

Zaid Ibrahim

 

Why MCA must rejoin the Government

by Zaid Ibrahim

The call made by the Chinese business community and NGOs for MCA to rejoin the Cabinet is not surprising. If MCA is to have any future it must rejoin the Government, but party members must also do more than what they have become accustomed to doing. In the past, they delivered allocations to Chinese schools and representated the Chinese community in business and educational issues. A few of their top leaders held Cabinet posts and this  enabled them to dish out some contracts to the  Chinese towkays. The lower-rung MCA operatives held positions in local councils, which gave them some leverage with grassroots members.

MCA needs to and can do more. Its Deputy President’s statement that rejoining the Cabinet would allow the party to be more vocal on issues that are relevant to the Chinese community is frankly hard to understand. You can be vocal without holding Cabinet posts, and you certainly don’t become a part of the Cabinet just to be vocal. You join the Cabinet to implement policies that you believe are essential for your community and the country. If MCA were to rejoin the Cabinet, it must do so for the right reasons. Being vocal without having the ability or willingness to implement key policy issues will reduce MCA to being like just another NGO: vocal, but essentially helpless.

I think it’s important that MCA rejoins the Government, especially if the party can get the Prime Minister’s undertaking to listen and act on key issues. On top of the list is for MCA to  do its part to stop racism from spreading its wings in national politics. There is no way we can overcome economic and financial challenges in the future if the country is divided along racial, religious and ethnic lines, so a well-crafted Race Relations Act is urgently required. The law must be there to punish or at least discourage racism and all its ugly ramifications  from spreading. Discriminatory practices must be outlawed. The rights of citizens must be respected, regardless of whether their forefathers came from China, India or Sulewasi. Immediate action must be taken against racist conduct and remarks. Companies and the Civil Service must be open to all races without discrimination, for this is the only way we can progress as a nation.

Wanting to have a Race Relations Act is not asking for the sky. In fact, it was discussed at the Cabinet level but several senior Ministers developed cold feet, making it impossible to carry  through. That was five years ago and race relations have clearly deteriorated since then. A Race Relations Act will signal to the people that this Government is concerned about racial discord, that it has the political will to act against racism and racist policies, and that it has every intention to deal with the subject fairly to maintain peace and harmony.

Laws are useless if not they are not enforced fairly or made applicable to those who violate them. In Malaysia, Malay or Muslim demogogues—especially from UMNO  and Perkasa—have escaped prosecution despite making blatantly racist remarks. The Government, however, has been quick to act against those on the fringe or from other races. MCA should make it a point to get the Prime Minister to promise that the Public Prosecutor will be given a free hand to charge anyone—anyone—who violates the Race Relations Act.

If MCA can get this done, then it would be worthwhile for the party to rejoin the Cabinet. There are other key issues that MCA leaders can champion and stick their necks out over, but they must get the Prime Minister to agree on these specific issues before taking on their Cabinet posts. The Chinese community and other Malaysians will appreciate it if the MCA is able to be a force behind constructive policy changes, and this appreciation will translate into voter support in the next General Election. On the other hand, if MCA is content just to be “vocal”, they will end up parroting the same, tired lines about Perkasa and hudud law. While this will make them look busy, the Chinese community and everybody else will not be fooled and will vote against the party as they did in GE13.

Still, on balance, I would like to see MCA rejoin the Government and I hope the Prime Minister will be bighearted as he was when he offered a Deputy Minister’s post  to Hindraf chairman P. Waythamoorthy. He needs to accept MCA and the key issues they bring. This country needs close cooperation from all sides; including a massive dose of “give and take” from the warring factions  or it will be split beyond repair.

- Source

=====================================

I'm going to contrast this excerpt from an article, expressing the thoughts of another group of Malays:

Perkasa gesa Putrajaya lantik Menteri Pengangkutan dari Umno Selangor

 Syed Hassan Syed Ali of PERKASA

Putrajaya digesa melantik segera Menteri Pengangkutan daripada kalangan pemimpin Umno Selangor sebagai "menghormati keputusan MCA untuk tidak menerima jawatan dalam kerajaan."

Pertubuhan Pribumi Perkasa Kebangsaan (Perkasa) menegaskan parti Cina dalam Barisan Nasional (BN) itu tidak lagi mempunyai ahli ekoran majoriti pengundi berbangsa Cina telah menolak mereka ketika Pilihan Raya 2013 pada 5 Mei lalu.....

............"Berapa sangat yang usahawan Melayu dapat dengan projek MRT? Sistem IT yang digunakan oleh sekolah-sekolaj bernilai lebih RM5blion kepada YTL, apa hasilnya kepada BN?" soal Perkasa dalam kenyataan tersebut, merujuk kepada beberapa projek mega yang sedang dirangka kerajaan...........

..............."Jadi sedarlah pemimpin tertinggi umno. Cukuplah beri kepada mereka setiap kali mereka minta. Segerakan lantik pemimpin Umno untuk jawatan kekal Menteri Pengangkutan...........

-source

======================================================

I'm starting to wonder, why is it that everyone is so concerned about MCA joining the government. Seems like there's a sudden urgency. I really wonder why...

There are people who would use any excuses they could think of to justify MCA's inclusion in the government, without giving a passing thought about the Chinese community and the position they are in. MCA can't even solve their own problems, and you are asking them to walk in like a boss and tell the Prime Minister to agree to this Act?

If MCA follows Zaid's advice, supporting an Act, which was abandoned earlier due to a lack of support, it would only put itself in the line of fire from opposing parties within BN & UMNO. As it is, certain groups in UMNO are already eyeing positions and contracts.

Why must the Chinese always be used for the benefit of others? Why make the Chinese stick their necks out again, only to suffer fools again? Sometimes I wonder about the true role the MCA, and by extension the Chinese, plays in Malaysian politics.

MCA must be allowed to decisively solve their internal conflict. If it is allowed to simmer, it will not be able to function effectively. In fact, this applies to all the component parties in BN. If these politicians were doing their jobs instead of exploiting the people with racial & religious issues, we won't even need the Race Relations Act.

MCA & Government Posts

Groups want MCA to take up govt posts

07 August 2013
COMMUNAL VOICE: 'Party can still deal with education, economy, crime prevention'

KUALA LUMPUR: Chinese non-governmental organisations (NGOs) want MCA to return to the cabinet.

They feel that the Barisan Nasional component party can still play an important role in safeguarding Chinese interests.

Speaking to reporters at MCA's headquarters here yesterday, deputy president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said 58 NGOs had expressed their desire in wanting MCA to rescind its stand to reject all government posts.

"They made the call because they feel that MCA can still solve many issues faced by the Chinese community.

"MCA is the largest Chinese-based party in BN and we can play an important role in formulating fair and visionary policies."

He, however, said any decision to accept government posts or joining the cabinet must first receive delegates' support during its annual general meeting...............

- Read more

================================================

Overcome weakness first, MCA told

Leven Woon
August 7, 2013

Chinese associations have urged the MCA to stop being subservient before deciding to hold government posts again.

PETALING JAYA: Chinese non-governmental organisations (NGOs) said MCA should reform and rid itself of its subservient attitude before taking up government posts.

“Without reforming, the party will have little or no impact if its leaders were to hold government posts again,” they told FMT today.

Several Chinese bodies have intensified calls for MCA to hold government posts again during the party’s meeting with 58 Chinese NGOs yesterday, citing that several issues plaguing the Chinese community are not resolved due to the absence of MCA.

In response, MCA deputy president Liow Tiong Lai has promised to review the “no-government-post” stance with the party’s central committee later.

Centre for Malaysian Chinese Studies chairman Chew Saw Eng, who attended the meeting yesterday, said the NGOs had also conveyed a clear message that MCA should cease playing the role of “firefighter.”

“Now it seems wherever there is a fire, MCA is putting it out,” she said, referring to MCA’s frequent move in helping to quash the racist statements or policies made by Umno leaders.

“But we don’t want this. We want MCA to play an influential role in policy-formulation,” Chew said.

Citing the National Education Blueprint 2013- 2025 debacle, she said MCA had failed to urge the government to take heed of the Chinese educationists’ views.

“It is said to be implemented by September but until now we have yet to hear any of our suggestions being taken into account,” she said.

The Chinese educationists have criticised the drastic increase in the frequency of Bahasa Malaysia lessons in Chinese-type primary schools, the abolition of remove classes and priority to the national-type schools as put forward in the draft report released last year.

Don’t expect major impact

Association of Graduates from Universities and Colleges of China Committee member Shai Ching Han said it was more important for MCA to resolve its internal problems than to contemplate joining the government again.

“MCA will face a heavier responsibility should it re-enter the cabinet because as it is, the party is left with only one post, that of transport minister.

“So if it remains what it is today, I don’t expect it to produce a major impact,” he said.

“Besides, as a BN component party, it cannot be saying that there are no other channels for it to voice its opinions,” he added.

Shai said the timing of talks to rejoin the government, which is near the party elections, would give the impression that MCA leaders only cared about government positions.

Meanwhile, Federation of Alumni Associations of Taiwan Universities committee member Siow Chee Min supports MCA’s plan to hold government post again, saying that the community has been encountering obstacles since the party’s exit from the government.

He said although not all the MCA leaders performed well the last time, some of them still did their jobs.

“But I also hope that they will be more vocal when speaking up for the community,” he said.

MCA has declined all government posts after a dismal showing in the recent 13th General Election.

- Source

================================================

Government posts... To accept or not to accept?

I will have to agree with MCA's stand in declining government posts, for now.

Taking up posts now would make MCA leaders look like a greedy lot, looking out for their own personal benefit. It will lose the community's trust and the internal problems would continue.

I think MCA needs to solve their internal problems first before they can serve the community, country, and government. Through the years, they have lost much credibility in the eyes of the Chinese. If MCA fails, the only semblance of a multi-racial government is in the opposition.

Reform first, then only talk about government posts. You can't be effective in government when you are weak...

If MCA still wants to stay relevant, they will have to come back swinging!

The Chinese Dilemma

The Chinese dilemma

By Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad

’KONGSI’ CONCEPT: Each side has to sacrifice something so that the other can gain something

IN response to the emergence of a Malay political party,  Umno and its success in rejecting the British inspired Malayan Union, the Chinese community of the 1940s saw the need for a political party of their own to present their views to the British government.

Thus was the MCA conceived and born, led by Malacca's Sir Cheng-Lock Tan. Although it was intended to counter the influence of Umno and protect the interests of the Chinese community, events changed the strategy and role of the MCA.

In 1952 the Kuala Lumpur Umno leaders and the Kuala Lumpur MCA branch leaders decided that in the Kuala Lumpur municipal elections, they should not contest against each other, but instead should support each other's candidates in their respective constituencies.

The results startled them as they defeated almost all the non-racial parties. Realising the political advantage of cooperating with each other the Tunku (Abdul Rahman) and Sir Cheng-Lock Tan, and senior leaders of the MCA and Umno decided to formalise their cooperation by setting up the Alliance, a coalition of MCA and Umno.

The basis of this coalition was the idea of supporting each other and sharing the power gained. Buoyed by the success of the Alliance party in the 1955 elections, in which the MIC had joined, the Tunku looked more kindly at the proposal of Sir Cheng-Lock that citizenship should be based on jus soli (citizenship by being born in the country) and not jus saguinis (citizenship based on the Malaysian citizenship of the father or mother, i.e. citizenship based on blood relation).

The Tunku did not quite agree but he nevertheless decided to give one million citizenships to unqualified Chinese and Indians.

With that the confrontation between the Chinese and the Malays changed into positive cooperation.

It was a classic kongsi that was set up. The essence is an undertaking to share. Sharing involves a give and take arrangement, in which each side has to sacrifice something so that the other can gain something.

As the Malays made up the majority of the citizens they naturally led the Alliance. But the Chinese and Indians were not without adequate power. In any case Malay political power would be mitigated by Chinese and Indians' voting and economic power.

The Tunku saw immediate benefit from the "kongsi" as he believed Malays only wanted to be government employees and the Chinese wanted to be in business. There would be no conflict or tussle between them.

The Indians would fill up the professional posts. He did not foresee the days when government could not create enough jobs for the greatly increased number of Malays.

The kongsi Alliance worked well. But in 1963 Singapore joined Malaysia.

 Immediately the PAP tried to gain Chinese support by condemning the Alliance kongsi for being disadvantageous to the Chinese.  Malaysians, said the PAP, were not equal.  There should be a Malaysian Malaysia where all the benefits should be based on merit alone, with the best taking everything, irrespective of race.

Without saying so in so many words the PAP was inferring that the Malays did not deserve their positions. The best people should rule the country. In the eyes of the PAP, Singapore was ruled by the best qualified people. That they happen to be almost all Chinese is incidental.

In the 1964 elections the MCA and Malaysian Chinese generally valued their cooperation with the Malays. They rejected the PAP and its chauvinistic appeal, giving it only one seat.

The Tunku realised what the PAP was up to and decided that Singapore should not be a part of Malaysia. But the PAP was not done. The remnant of the party in Malaysia set up the DAP to carry on the Malaysian Malaysia meritocratic formula for undermining Chinese support for the MCA.

Harping continuously on the so-called Malay privileges and the unfairness to the Chinese, the DAP slowly eroded the idea of kongsi in the multi-racial coalition of the Barisan Nasional.

Despite the fact that the Barisan Nasional supported Chinese education and the use of the Chinese language, the DAP convinced many Chinese that the Chinese, their culture and language are not given proper treatment by the Barisan Nasional coalition.

The MCA was attacked for not doing enough for the Chinese.

In my opinion, there are politicians, and there are statesmen.

Many are quick to jump on this article, branding it as racist, pitting the Chinese against Malays. But if we read it in the proper context, what it says is quite true. Sometimes, we must be willing to see things as they are, no matter how hard it is to accept.

The Chinese, would instinctively be on the defensive. Especially DAP leaders, such as Lim Kit Siang, because of what Dr. M wrote about the DAP. While I respect the elder leaders, such as LKS & Karpal's unwavering determination on certain issues in the past and standing up for his principles, I disagree with his views on this.

 Excerpt from LKS's blog:

Malaysia does not have a Chinese dilemma but a Mahathir dilemma

The author of “The Malay Dilemma” has tried to coin a new complex, “The Chinese Dilemma” which he defined as “whether the Chinese in Malaysia should make a grab for political power while dominating economic power or to adhere to the principle of sharing which has made this country what it is today”.

Former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad is making history in coining a complex which exists only in his febrile imagination, as it does not afflict any single Chinese in Malaysia – whether in Pakatan Rakyat or Barisan Nasional!

I will like to know whether there is any Chinese in Malaysia who will stand up and state that Mahathir is right that there is such a “Chinese dilemma” in Malaysia!

So, here I am... standing up. The truth is there is indeed a Chinese Dilemma. More like a crisis the way I see it. While politicians like to tell the people to think about the country, the same applies to the politicians as well. Pitting different communities against each other is just evil.

If you must defend your party, by all means do so. But do not use the Chinese as an excuse or justification. The Chinese community is not DAP.

Anyway, as I've written many times before, politicians will always be politicians. Their view on issues will always be from a political perspective. Whereas the people view it from a social perspective.

The way I understand it, the article is not even disparaging or insulting the Chinese. Blaming DAP, yes. The Chinese? No. Instead, I find the message truthful. A reminder.

He was actually referring to MCA.  Comparing MCA with DAP.

His core message is for the MCA, on whether MCA will do what is right for the Chinese community, and Malaysia in general. Or has MCA forgotten it's roots. And also to the Chinese readers, on what their priorities are, and whether they still trust MCA. Or have they forgotten.

Education has always been the top priority for the community. Economy, second. Have the Chinese forgotten that? or were they distracted by the other issues concerning the economy, corruption, freedom of speech, etc that they have failed to realise it?

The danger of being blindly led by politicians is that the people will give what the politicians want, power, but gain nothing for themselves.

The Malays, especially the UMNO supporters, do not see the real Chinese dilemma. The fact is, every community has it's own problems and issues. Politicians will exploit these issues for their own benefit. The Malays see it as political. Actually, it's social.

The Malays (in general) see the Chinese as chauvinists hating Malays, grabbing power, unpatriotic, etc. 

The Chinese (in general) see the Malay government as oppressors, systematically pushing the Chinese from this country.

There a reason for this perception. When the Chinese 'make noise', it is viewed as the voice of the community as a whole. When Malays do the same, it is usually viewed as the voice of UMNO or the government itself. That is because the government and by extension it's agencies, are predominantly Malay.

For example, watch this video which was taken recently, purportedly happened in Puchong involving traders & MPSJ.



The Chinese view this as bullying and discrimination by Malay authorities. The Malay community would see this as Chinese bullying the Malay authorities, who were only doing their job. See?

If we view this without racial glasses or prejudice, it is actually enforcement against unlicensed traders. I think it is part of the enforcement carried out recently: 

MPSJ cracks down on illegal traders

Council raids Selangor Wholesale Market in Seri Kembangan after receiving complaints from public and licensed traders there

Jun 29, 2013

SUBANG JAYA: THE Subang Jaya Municipal Council recently seized the merchandise and equipment  of a trader who was found to be carrying out business illegally at the Selangor Wholesale market in Seri Kembangan.

In the at 9am operations on Wednesday, seven compounds were also issued against several others under the Petty Traders Bylaw 2007 for trading without a licence.

Read more: MPSJ cracks down on illegal traders - Central - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/streets/central/mpsj-cracks-down-on-illegal-traders-1.309410#ixzz2bBN6u7M8

Perception.

1. Malay dominance in government. If those enforcement officers comprised of various races, it will not be viewed with racial prejudice. Same with the recent school controversies. Same with other government agencies. The incident below happened in Danau Kota, Setapak...



2. The second video above, disproves the earlier racial bias... Petty traders, especially illegal ones have always been a problem. But some are sympathetic towards these traders. Illegal traders comprises of various races, and everyone are not spared. Yes, it looks cruel to confiscate their goods. So I think enforcement sometimes must not be so heavy-handed. Maybe issue fines instead. Confiscating their goods is taking away their capital. Some borrowed money to guy their goods. But then, if allowed unchecked, then nobody would want to apply for trading licenses anymore. Moderation is the key.

All of us are familiar with those illegal VCD sellers, and the periodic enforcements, which can turn violent at times. Those involve the secret societies, which is actually a social concern for the Chinese community. Scores of young Chinese are lured into it every year.

3. More importantly, and most disturbing, is the behaviour of the affected young Chinese guy in the first video, presumably a trader. His actions speak for itself. Violent. Hurting himself, to frame the officers.

Watching that first video, the Malays will feel angry towards the Chinese. The Chinese will feel the same towards the Malays.

I only feel sadness.

Is this what the Chinese want for their community? Their youths behaving like this? Which part is culture? Which part are values? Which part is Chinese?

MCA Transformation

Recovery from losses – MCA learns from experiences of political parties from abroad

Dato’ Sri Liow Tiong Lai

MCA HQ, 5 Aug – In today’s globalized world, no country can live like a hermit and political parties are not exempt. MCA Deputy President Dato’ Sri Liow Tiong Lai led committee members of the MCA Special Taskforce for Transformation on a work visit to Beijing from 29 July through 3 August 2013 where they met up with representatives from the Communist Party of China (CMC). “MCA is not only listening to grassroots members and Chinese community leaders but also getting views from international political parties.”

This working visit is part of the MCA Transformation process where besides gathering feedback from party grassroots leaders from Chinese guilds and associations, MCA also embarked on learning from international counterparts their organisation’s process and practice of people’s participation in local level administration and selection of village heads and party candidates.

He cited the example of the Kuomintang of Taiwan (KMT). Taking a leaf from KMT which suffered its first ever political defeat in 2000 after ruling the island since 1949 and how it rebuilt itself to recover lost confidence.

Responding to a reporter’s question who inquired regarding MCA members who not happy over members chosen as GE candidates, the lawmaker for Bentong remarked that MCA will have to go through the candidate selection process and then corroborated the information by drawing a comparison with KMT’s experience. “The KMT selection process is based on 30% from the party decision, and 70% from public. KMT uses a public survey system to see if the candidate is proper. They put 3 candidates, and the one with the majority public support becomes the candidate. In Taiwan, the public surveys are very efficient.”

Quality members above quantity

From Tiong Lai’s briefing to the media corp, it is clear that the study tour to Beijing was productive. “One of the things which we found fruitful was how they select party members. They go through a very detailed selection, training for two to three years before they can be admitted to become members. They (CPC) look for quality members and not quantity.”

Drawing an analogy with MCA’s experience, the wakil rakyat for Bentong also highlighted that “in view of this, when we went around the country in the first stage of visit (feedback gathering for party transformation), we received a lot of calls to re-register members. We want to review the number of members in our MCA. It is one of transformation agenda is to cut down our size, re-register members to get more committed and dedicated members in line with the party’s struggle which is very crucial.”

Weighing in on the comparison with Kuomintang, Tiong Lai revealed, “when they (KMT) lost in the 2000 GE, they re-registered their members. (Likewise with MCA,) We want to build in the commitment, responsibility of the members and to be proud to be a party member. We want to build a sense of belonging among party members to the party.”

Besides the KMT, the MCA delegation had also met up the Democratic Progressive Party, the Opposition in Taiwan to learn from them how they intend to succeed at the next general elections.

The MCA Deputy President then highlighted on the study tour to Beijing from 29 July to 3 August 2013 where exchange of ideas were made with representatives from the Communist Party of China (CPC). During the visit for six days, the MCA Transformation Special Taskforce managed to visit five important organisations. They are

1) Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee

2) International Department of the CPC Central Committee (special bureau where the CPC links with foreign parties)

3) Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee

4) State Internet Information Office (on how the CPC regulates the internet)

5) Party History Research Bureau

The study tour to Beijing involved visits to two rural areas i.e. one in the town and another to the village to get a clearer picture of the organisation work there.

“We are very impressed with their organizational functions where we found that they are very liberal, open in reaching out to the community and also to get the support of the people,” said Tiong Lai.

Democratic practices at the village level in Beijing

Similar to our New Villages, there are also appointments of village heads tasked with administration matters at the local village level.

“When they appoint the village heads, besides the party decision, they also go through an election process by the villagers themselves. That is the system they practise. At the village level, they have village elections to elect their ketua kampung (village head).

More exchanges between MCA and CPC expected

Plans afoot to enhance bilateral ties between MCA and CPC as relayed by Tiong Lai.

“During the visit, we also talked to one of the Deputy Ministers (International Department) where they welcomed our visit and exchanged a lot of views including how to build up relationship with MCA. They have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UMNO, and we agreed to sign a memorandum with them. We are discussing this at this stage so that in the future, we can formalise our two-party relationship.”

“This is very fruitful because they also agree. For the CPC, they have signed this MoU with more than 400 parties in the world. We think that it is a good exchange programme we can go through. In future, their leaders and ours can have more exchange programmes.”

Also present at the press conference were MCA Youth National Chairman Datuk Dr Ir Dr Wee Ka Siong, Deputy Secretary General Dato’ Dr Hou Kuk Chung and Young Professionals Bureau chairman Datuk Chua Tee Yong. Wanita MCA Chairman who could not make it for the press conference is also in the Transformation Special Taskforce committee.

- Source

Well, looks like MCA has returned to work... although I do not understand why they would need to visit other countries to 'learn'. hehehe.



Perhaps they have their reasons... but they have been rather vocal lately regarding issues close to the Chinese community's hearts.... no, not racial ones as some Malays may like to think. There are 2 issues that the Chinese hold in high importance. 1. Education 2. Economy, in that order. Religion is viewed as something personal, except for Islam, which is institutionalised and does affect everyone. Race is not even an issue that affects them. Culture, on the other hand, is, to a certain extent.

Anyway, I'm neither partial to MCA nor DAP. I'm only concerned about the welfare of the Chinese community and their future in this country. When I see certain undesirable trends affecting the community, I will voice out my thoughts.

So, let's get back to the topic.

The way I see it, the reason MCA is in their current unenviable state is partly their own undoing. The other part is UMNO. With the demise of Gerakan, MCA is the last of the Chinese political parties. I don't view DAP as a Chinese party though, because they are not.

It's all good, that as a political party, MCA is currently embarking on a transformation programme. Their current efforts are, however, only party-centric. However, I would like to know how they plan to address the lack of support from the community itself. A political party's survival depends on it's electorate.

Insecurity

Although others might argue that the Chinese are 'ganging' up or uniting against others, especially the Malays, I beg to differ. I am of the view that the Chinese community is actually feeling very, very insecure in this country. They are so worried that they are actually on the verge of panic. Which was one of the reasons they threw their support for Pakatan. There are various reasons of course. Insecurity is the root. All other reasons are only the manifestations.

I will say it as I see it. My intention is not to disparage anyone.

Education

This tops the list for most Chinese parents. Right now, they don't see any light at the end of the tunnel. There are not enough Chinese schools to accommodate the increasing number of students, especially in the urban areas. Although they are under-funded, they are relatively well-managed. From the day their kids enter pre-school, they are already planning their kid's educational path up until higher education. Some join the national stream in secondary education, and then hope for a place in public unis. But because of the limited places in public unis, some have decided to go all the way in Chinese stream, and then on to private unis. Through the years, more are opting for the latter.

MCA should help the kids. 

Not the parents... the kids. Do it for the kids, and the parents will reward you with their gratitude. Find out from the parents what their concerns and worries are. Provide solutions, working on the ground. Publicise the results, not the problems. All these publicity on low enrollment and fighting for a place in public higher education actually have the opposite effect. It just shows that MCA is weak, and puts the government in bad light. That is why many Chinese are not even perturbed that MCA is not taking positions in the government. It also shows how disconnected the MCA leadership with their community. Representation means nothing is it is not effective.

If MCA can allay the parents' fears on education, making sure that help and assistance are available for poor and deserving students, half of the battle is won. MCA must be able to show a clear path, and options, that are available for the kids' education. Do it for the kids.

As an example, English & Bahasa Melayu is a concern in Chinese schools. Most Chinese parents are very worried about English & Bahasa Melayu proficiency in a Mandarin learning environment. Sometimes, these subjects are taught by Chinese educated teachers, who are themselves, not very proficient in those languages. To learn a language, the environment is important. These classes must be taught fully in the respective languages. Organise English & BM workshops on Saturdays, but it must be conducted by an instructor whose first language is the language taught. Simple things like this will be greatly appreciated by parents, your voter base.

Young & Energetic workers/members

MCA should be more active in Chinese schools. It is one of the last bastions where DAP has not dominated.... yet. Sadly, MCA workers are hardly visible. Only those VIPs will appear during official functions like PTA meetings, when they want the votes, or publicity. Please face the fact that those days are gone. Forever.

Many from the previous crop of leaders failed miserably. They did not serve. They were self-serving. They went through the motions but delivered nothing. They took the people for granted.

If the MCA is really serious about transformation, change the people. There are many young adults who can contribute, but only if MCA appeals to them.

Youths prefer someone their closer to their own age group to lead them. Those in their 20s to 30s are ideal candidates. MCA will have to be there for community service, to resolve issues. Which is why they need younger people who possess greater stamina and drive.

You will be in the parents good books when you help their kids, and be seen doing it. Get the support of the adults through caring for their kids. Simple.


Young Adults
I think what MCA is doing for the exchange programmes is great. MCA's biggest challenge is actually their human resource. They need the right people on the ground that will appeal to the younger urban electorate. MCA needs to rebrand, fast!

They are indeed sweeties, but parading them at your events are going to cut it.

This is close, it will appeal to a certain group.

This is more like it... nice.

These are the contemporary urban Chinese youths. Does MCA appeal to them?

MCA needs to broaden their base with a more diverse group of members. They need more of the 'bananas' group. hehehe. Well sort of... actually Chinese-speaking 'bananas'. Some might feel offended by this, but it's true. They need more English-speaking professionals in their ranks. Better still, Tri-lingual. These are the ones who can be their voice, and represent the community's aspirations. Only then, can they penetrate the urban community, which it must, to survive the general elections.

The Mandarin-educated Chinese realised their weakness by being mono-lingual, emphasising too much on Mandarin and neglecting English & BM. These days, they made sure their future generations are proficient in at least 3 languages, mainly Mandarin & English & BM, in addition to their respective dialects.

Anyway, it's all about gaining the community's trust. Can the Chinese community put their trust in MCA?

We'll see....

Jonker Walk - close or open? MCA or DAP?

Pix Source

Jonker Walk: Small protests but business as usual at tourist spot

MALACCA: It was business as usual Friday night at the iconic Jonker Walk night market despite the new ruling to allow cars in.

Motorists were diverted from entering the tourist spot at 5pm by traffic policemen and officers from the Malacca Historic City Council.

Other motorists were turned away by a small protests staged by the MCA and DAP, with some shouting “Save Jonker Walk” and holding placards.

Traders and hawkers opened their stalls as usual. Others formed a human barricade to prevent motorists from using the pedestrian mall.

The council's officers also refrained from taking action against the traders and kept watch from a distance.

A brief stand-off came as leaders from the political parties claimed credit of trying to save Jonker Walk.

“Where was DAP 13 years ago, you're the first to oppose when Jonker made its debut,” shouted an MCA leader.

A pandemonium was triggered when several traders shouted at motorists who had parked their vehicles during operating hours.

The situation eased when Kota Melaka MCA Youth deputy chief Dr Yee Kok Wah was seen directing cars out of the area.

DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang delivered a speech at a makeshift stage.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Jonker Walk: Don't turn it into Jonker Highway, says Nazri Aziz

KUALA LUMPUR: Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz wants the entire stretch of the Jonker Walk night market to be closed to traffic.

"It's called Jonker Walk so pedestrians walk not only was on sidewalks, but also on the road itself.

"There's no reason to rethink this after 13 years. Jonker Walk has been around for 13 years and it's not going to be beneficial if it's open to vehicles.

"I've met with the Chief Minister (Datuk Idris Haron), he said it was a trial run as there were requests for the roads to be open to traffic.

"However, after four weeks (of trial period), I hope it will be closed. Jonker Walk is a Malacca must-see. Don't play the blame game if tourists no longer visit Jonker Walk after it is open to traffic," he said.

Looks like the circus is in town. Is this the way we do things from now on? It's like there's a certain formula they subscribe to. Here's the steps:

1. Raise an issue. Sometimes out of the blue. Popular choices are race, religion and education.
2. The 'bad guy' talks tough with supporters cheering him on.
3. 'Good guy' (sometimes two) comes out with guns blazing, defending the poor 'victims'.
4. Protest! Publicity!
5. The 'bad guy' gives some lame excuse. Popular examples are 'misquoted', 'misunderstanding', 'denial' or 'conspiracy', etc.
6. 'Good guy' becomes hero. 'Victims' show appreciation via testimonial in the mass media.
7. After 100 days, people forget.
8. Go to number 1 and repeat cycle.

It's like watching reruns.

I mean seriously, if there's really a traffic problem, then work it out and come up with a solution. Don't tell me the previous CM didn't discover this traffic problem after more than 10 years. And this new CM, on his first day of work, arrived late because he couldn't take the faster route through Jonker Street? So the next day, he decided to open the road to traffic and he was punctual ever since...

But isn't Jonker Street closed to traffic at night for the night market?

Anyway, it seems quite popular among locals and tourists. Check out what travellers have to say on Trip Advisor.

Parliament: MCA calls for Haze Taskforce

KUALA LUMPUR: MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai has called for a bipartisan Haze Taskforce comprising MPs from both sides, Department of Environment officials, and NGO representatives.

"This haze is an environmental disaster," he said on Wednesday, exhorting the Malaysian government to work together in seeking a solution.

"The first step, however, is for Indonesia to ratify the Asean agreement on Trans-boundary haze pollution.

“The Malaysian government must continue to persuade Indonesia to sign the agreement and Indonesia has to be a responsible neighbour and act in the Asean spirit.

"The taskforce will work with its Indonesian counterparts to go down to the ground and establish the source and parties involved in slash and burn practices that go against treaties and local laws," he told reporters during a press conference from the sidelines of Parliament.

However, he said, the taskforce could not be set up until the ratification was done by Indonesia.

MCA Youth Chief Datuk Wee Ka Siong concurred, adding that the Malaysian government needed an emergency response plan for the haze.

"We have to form a new mechanism when engaging in discussions with the Indonesian government.

"Regardless of where the company is from, it should be charged for open burning," he told reporters at the same PC.

Source: Parliament: MCA calls for Haze Taskforce

Not long after my post on MCA, this piece of news came to my attention.

You've really got to give it to them. Haze Taskforce? Is that the best you can offer?

There's a saying, "Talking without saying anything".  

First, they admit it's an environmental disaster. Then they beat around the bush with nonsensical suggestions such as "taskforce", "persuade Indonesia", "go down to the ground", "engaging with discussions". And they expect the people to take them seriously? Really?

Stop insulting the people's intelligence, please. If you have nothing to say, just keep quiet. Don't make half-hearted statements like these.

If you have something to say, say it like you mean it. 

We are living with this:

KLCC? Where?

All 3 affected countries have relevant laws in place, have relevant agencies with ministers to oversee. Just enforce it! Is that too difficult? Not one of these countries have addressed the real solution.

To prevent a crime, there must be enforcement.

MCA with Nowhere to Go

MCA with Nowhere to Go

By Kee Thuan Chye

Excerpts: Post-GE13 (13^th general election), the MCA is looking more lost than ever before. It is like the partygoer who is all dressed up with nowhere to go. Except that in its case, its dress is somewhat tattered and its face rather bruised after the beating it took at the polls. From the 15 parliamentary seats it held prior to GE13, it now has only seven – and for this poor showing, it has had to heed the call of its president, Chua Soi Lek, to refrain from taking positions in government, including the Cabinet...

Of course, it could now prove itself to truly represent the Chinese by being more vocal about matters that disfavour the community, such as racially discriminatory policies and practices, cronyism and rent-seeking. It could also speak up on issues that affect the nation as a whole, and even criticise wrong measures taken by the Government. That would indeed be serving the people. But would it dare to do so?

On the other hand, if it doesn’t, what is it functioning for?...

Clearly, the MCA needs to redefine itself. Whereas the Chinese electorate, especially in the last five to six years, has moved ahead of the political game, the party is still caught in a time warp. Only a minority of Chinese Malaysians still see the need for a Chinese-based party; most others welcome multi-racialism...

In this regard, even if the MCA ceased to be, it wouldn’t matter. GE13 proved that to be so.

 I suppose, the question is, what is the future of MCA.

1. The Chinese Malaysians have more or less rejected them. Even their own members voted against them.
2. Their President blackmailed the Chinese during the last elections with threats of not accepting government posts.
3. Their President does not want to step down despite his party's poor performance. Why is he still insisting on staying anyway?
4. Obviously it is either power or money, or both... everyone in MCA are trying very hard to get their hand on the party's assets - Chua: Scope-Matang deal not an 'asset stripping' exercise
5. Despite their embarrassing showing in GE13, they are still fighting among themselves.

From the look of things, it is obvious that the leaders are more concerned about their own interests. Was it the Chinese who gave up on MCA? It's actually the other way round!

MCA has abandoned the Chinese

They have abandoned the Chinese even before GE13. Has anyone noticed their total lack of effort in campaigning? Their best attempt was a Karaoke video. Although BN expected a tough fight for urban seats, they have been on a quiet campaign in the rural seats.

Although there were efforts to try and improve MCA's fortunes, but whatever gains were quickly nullified by their in-fighting and sabotaging. One of the most notable effort was initiated in 2011-2012, when a Community Chest was set up to help vernacular and mission schools.

Vernacular and mission schools to benefit from Community Chest

The Community Chest promises to dispense at least RM100mil yearly to Chinese, Tamil and mission schools, and other learning institutions which apply for assistance from it.

It will be managed by a board of trustees and chaired by Genting Malaysia chairman and chief executive Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay. The others were Hong Leong Financial Group Bhd chairman Tan Sri Quek Leng Chan, Lion Group Malaysia chairman Tan Sri William Cheng and CMY Capital Group chairman Tan Sri Chua Ma Yu.

Quality of leaders in MCA

I think this is a major problem in MCA. Just do a comparison between MCA & DAP and you will get the picture. Let's just say that Ong Tee Keat has got the right formula.

What kind of respect and support do the leaders expect if they don't even have the courage to speak out.  Why do you think Gerakan ended up where they are today?

To be a good leader, is not just being the voice of a certain community but more importantly, to act and speak out for all. A good leader is a person who has the welfare of the people and the interest of the nation in his heart. Does MCA possess these qualities?